protective films

Protective films –
long-term stability or risk?

 

Types of protective film

When you think of protective film, you usually think of it as providing protection, as the name suggests. 

But what if this protection eventually causes damage to the part on which it is applied? To answer this question, we should first look at the different types of protective film.

Protective films are used in a variety of ways in the automotive sector. They can be used for both permanent and temporary applications. The difference: the duration of use is determined by the film! 

Permanent protective films

Permanent protective films protect the surface throughout its entire service life. They are UV-resistant, prevent scratches or damage from stone chips and are suitable for glass, paintwork and metals.

Use of temporary protective films in interiors

  • High-gloss/piano lacquer surfaces against micro-scratches 
  • Touch displays as permanent anti-scratch protection
  • Preventing gloss spots

 

Use of temporary protective films on the exterior

  • Inner door edges/loading edges 
  • Bumpers and entry areas 
  • Pillar trims, decorative strips, chrome parts
  • Sensor areas/cameras 
How long do permanent protective films last? – and under what conditions?

The service life is defined during the selection and specification process. Depending on the film structure (e.g. TPU vs. PVC, UV blocker, thickness, adhesive system), protective films can fulfil their function for years or even for the entire service life of the vehicle.
 

They are designed to:

  • Be UV and weather resistant
  • Remain visually stable (no yellowing, no white breakage)
  • Withstand mechanical stress (gravel, scratches, cleaning)
  • Not be infiltrated or undermined (sealing)

 

Temporary protective films

Temporary protective films are used to protect surfaces for a short period of time. In the automotive sector, they are mostly used to prevent damage or contamination during production or transport.

Use of temporary protective films in the interior

  • Displays and sensitive surfaces
  • Door sills and trim strips
  • Decorative strips and panelling

 

Use of temporary protective films in the exterior

  • Wheel rims, bumpers, roof or bonnets
  • Glass panes
  • Panelling and trims
  • Strips, emblems and other add-on parts
Can temporary protective films be removed without leaving any residue?

There is often uncertainty as to whether the protective film can be removed without leaving any residue. This depends on whether the correct film has been used and whether the manufacturer's processing instructions have been followed. However, if all relevant points are taken into account when making your selection, it is no problem at all to leave a temporary protective film on the surface for up to a year and still remove it easily and without leaving any residue.

Of course, it must be said that it is always a combination of planned service life and area of application. The protective film will last as long as it was designed to. When planning, it is important to know or pay attention to what the intended area of application is and how long the protective function is required.

What exactly needs to be considered when selecting the right film?

Depending on the area of application, certain criteria must be taken into account in order to select the right film for the job. These include, on the one hand, the adhesive strength on various surfaces such as painted surfaces, glass, plastics or textiles. On the other hand, criteria such as weather resistance, compatibility with various substrates, material thickness and colour are also relevant properties for selecting the right protective film.

 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We will be happy to assist you.

Annkathrin Grube

Do you have questions about other topics or would you like to learn more about specific applications? Then feel free to contact me.

 

I am looking forward to your input for our blog!

agr@innotape.de